The WNBA All-Star Game is right around the corner, and we finally have our first two confirmed stars who are all set to feature in the upcoming All-Star Game. Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier! While Clark’s historic 1.2 million fan votes have been the talk of the town, let’s not overlook the significance of Collier’s selection. A runner-up in last season’s MVP race, Collier is now a five-time All-Star. But this year will be extra special for her – it’s her first time being named a starter, and she will do so by leading one of the teams! “It’s really cool. I went from never being a starter to captain,” Collier said.

Naturally, her teammates, too, could not hide their excitement. “Say it louder… man I think it means everything honestly, she’s been putting the work in, she’s been having an amazing season obviously our team is not as good if not for Napheesa Collier, man,” Courtney Williams said.

Despite missing two games earlier this season with a back injury, Napheesa Collier has been a force to be reckoned with this season. The former Lady Husky leads the entire league in scoring, averaging a league-best 24.5 points per game. A statline worthy of being a captain in the All-Star game, won’t you agree? To celebrate her well-earned selection, the Minnesota Lynx’s page on X posted a picture that has won the internet’s hearts.

The photo features Collier with her 3-year-old daughter Mila, who’s proudly rocking a T-shirt that reads, “Mama, you are a All-Star.” The heartwarming post quickly went viral, with some even asking why there was money on the floor.

Fans react to Napheesa Collier celebrating her All-Star selection with daughter

Messages of love and celebration came pouring in from all directions. “Congratulations 🎈🎉🎊🍾 Phee 1000% deserved in every way 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼,” one fan commented. Another joined in to say, “That is just the cutest. Congrats Phee!!”

These were the very fans who helped vote Phee in as captain. Collier finished second in overall votes, right behind Caitlin Clark, with a massive 1,176,020 votes. To put that into perspective, her first-round total last year was just 103,550. This season? A massive jump to 484,75! That kind of leap says everything about how dominant she’s been in the last couple of years.

So, the celebrations were nothing short of adorable. The Lynx dropped a wholesome video showing little Mila cruising around the facility on her tiny scooter wearing the “Mama you’re a All-Star” t-shirt! “Too cute,” one fan commented, seeing Phee share the special moment with her daughter. And yes, this is the same Mila who was the center of attention during game 3 of the finals 2024.

Before tip-off during the Liberty vs. Lynx matchup last year, little Mila stood proudly on Phee’s lap, sporting a pink backpack while Mom expertly juggled her with her toes. But that is until Mila decided the floor was suddenly more appealing. “It’s awesome to see her pre-game interacting with my teammates. That’s been so fun for me to see the way they love her and the way she loves them back. She’s growing up being supported by 12 really strong women and 144 collectively in the W,” Collier said about her daughter’s presence. Well, truly. Mila even shares a nice bond with Sabrina Inonescu.

Honestly, though, it is not just Mila learning from them. After a tough loss to New York, the team’s spirits were low, even the next morning on the bus to the airport. But Mila? She spent the ride playing and laughing. Then, suddenly, the team was playing and laughing, too. As Collier recalled: “It just really puts it into perspective.”

Then there were fans who were trying to figure out some other things. “Why is there money scattered all over the floor lol ?” one wrote. Well, that’s thanks to Sylvia Fowles, who was right behind Mila’s scooter. But instead of Mila, she was the one playing with the toy cash dispenser, shooting money with a pose that said, “It was about time”. “I didn’t come here to work, I came here to celebrate Napheesa,” Fowles said to the camera.

Of course, with that, fans began to predict an even brighter future for Phee. “Soon it’ll be ‘Mama, you’re the MVP,’” one fan wrote. And they are probably right. Last season, Collier earned her first Defensive Player of the Year award, averaging 1.91 steals, 7.5 defensive rebounds, and 1.41 blocks per game. But her performances weren’t just limited to the defensive side of things – she was also averaging 20.4 points and 3.4 assists and finished behind A’ja Wilson in the MVP race. Unfortunately, her season ended in the worst possible way as the Lynx lost in the WNBA finals to the Liberty.

With a new season comes renewed hope! Phee wants to win her first championship, and so far, the Lynx look every bit like title contenders. They have only lost twice this season. But they wouldn’t be favorites if not for their superstar forward. Averaging 24.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season, Collier is the odds-on favorite to take home the MVP. “& upcoming MVP!!! 🙏,” one fan said, which makes more sense with every passing day!